Providers and consumers of commercial family planning services in developing countries

This effort has been fueled by the realization that funds from donors and the public sector cannot fully address the growing need for FP services and by an increasing appreciation of the strengths and advantages of commercial sector health providers. This report, based on a review of more than 50 recent Demographic and Health Surveys and a range of qualitative and quantitative studies, provides a profile of who provides commercial FP services in developing countries, who uses the services of those commercial providers, and the motivations that influence both providers and consumers. The research reveals that the commercial sector plays a significant role in the provision of FP in developing countries, serving approximately 20% of all women in developing countries who use modern contraceptive methods. Pharmacies are the leading commercial providers of FP services, although doctors, midwives, and other shops or markets also play a meaningful role. Commercial providers are more likely than public providers to offer supply methods (i.e., condoms, pills, and vaginals) and less likely to offer clinical methods (i.e., male and female sterilization). The clients of commercial providers are more likely to be in higher socioeconomic groups, although people from all socioeconomic categories use commercial providers when they are able. Providers are motivated to provide FP services in the commercial sector by a range of factors, including profit potential, independence, flexibility of practice, and a desire to have a positive social impact. They are constrained by government regulations, fiscal constraints and concerns about profitability, and lack of training. Consumers who use commercial providers are motivated by the quality, convenience, and privacy of services. Those who prefer public providers do so because of lower prices, although many may be willing to pay more for higher quality service.